North Wales Weather: More people in A&E in scorching heat

Sunburn, sunstroke and dehydration are among the complaints and the mercury continues to rise

People have been paying more visits to hospital as the hot weather continues

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THE SCORCHING heat has led to an increase in the number of people turning up at A&E.

Sunburn, sunstroke and dehydration are among the complaints that are putting more pressure on doctors as temperatures soar.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said they have noticed a rise in cases at casualty departments in their three North Wales hospitals; Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor.

More alcohol-related injuries are also being reported as people light up the barbecue and bask in the sunshine.

Last night, sun worshippers were urged to drink more water and use plenty of sun cream as the heatwave is forecast to continue well into next week.

A BCUHB spokeswoman said: “We have seen a slight increase in the number of patients presenting at the A&E departments throughout North Wales with heat related illnesses.

“During this hot weather, we urge the public to be sensible and to ensure that they drink plenty of fluids, avoid excess alcohol, apply plenty of high factor (minimum of SPF 15) sun screen and keep out of the sun when it is at its hottest (11am to 3pm).

“Contact your doctor, pharmacist or NHS Wales Direct if you are worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, if you feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms.”

The sweltering weather has also had an impact on the number of blood donors coming forward and stocks have plummeted, the Welsh Blood Service revealed.

Now an urgent appeal has been launched as many people are opting to sunbathe rather than give blood.

“We are making an urgent appeal for fit and healthy donors and those donors who have not donated for a while to come forward and help, particularly those with O and A negative blood groups.”

Meanwhile, police have stepped up warnings about the dangers of swimming in open water after a Shropshire man in his 20s drowned in the River Ceiriog at Pont-y-Blew, near Chirk on Tuesday.

It followed not long after the death of Jason Owens from Holywell who had been swimming at the Flower Cotton Mill Pond at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park during a hot spell last month.

Other emergency crews including lifeboat volunteers, coastguards, mountain rescue teams and members of RAF Valley have seen a surge in the number of rescues as beach-goers and walkers get into difficulties.

In Rhyl on Saturday, maritime agencies dealt with seven incidents in five hours from people cut off by the tide to children becoming separated from their parents after playing by the sea prompting safety messages to be given out.